There comes a time when we realise Club 18-30 is no longer for us (thankfully!) and suddenly Saga Holidays comes onto our radar.
Maybe, like me, you think that surely you are not that old! But as I found out, the Saga experience is anything but fuddy duddy.
Saga have a long history of arranging holidays for the more mature traveller and the holidaymakers I spoke to on a recent trip to Cyprus, were all repeat guests many times over, and very satisfied with the Saga service.
Saga’s experienced resort representatives come into their own when the unthinkable happens – and you fall ill on holiday. At our hotel a lady had been taken to hospital with stomach pains, eventually needing an appendectomy and a few days in hospital. The local rep, Andy, was a complete lifeline for them both. He sorted out the details of their insurance and liaised with the hospital staff, keeping the couple constantly updated. He arranged for the husband to extend his stay and then for both of them to fly back later than planned.
Of course all reputable tour companies have resort reps, but it is experience that counts with senior travellers who may need that extra helping hand.
The hotels I stayed in were of a very high standard and yet totally different, proving that Saga can offer something to suit all tastes.
The Ciao Stelio Deluxe Hotel in Larnaca is a new adult only 5 star boutique style property catering for business travellers as well as holidaymakers. It is sophisticated and elegant with high quality gourmet cuisine. The bright and airy seaview rooms overlook the calm waters of Mackenzie beach and are flooded with early morning sunshine. Rooms all have essential tea and coffee supplies, much loved by British visitors! Saga offer half board so guests can chose to have lunch, or dinner, at the hotel either in the elegant Enigma restaurant, or on the attractive terrace. The hotel is well placed to explore the historic city of Larnaca and Saga offer a range of interesting half and full day tours to surrounding towns and villages.
The Olympic Lagoon Resort in Paphos is a stunning all inclusive beach hotel that’s attracts a range of holidaymakers of all ages. With a choice of restaurants, day and evening entertainment of the highest quality and a stunning pool area; it has all that anyone would ask for on holiday. Like the Ciao Stelio, it is also a new build and has been designed with space and comfort in mind. As the resort is popular with families the management have thoughtfully incorporated a separate ‘adult only’ pool area, plus designated seating in the main buffet restaurant and a separate wing of bedrooms, for couples looking for a quiet getaway.
A short stroll away, also in Paphos, is the iconic Alexander the Great Hotel, under the same ownership as the Olympic Lagoon, but with a totally different atmosphere. The Alexander has a more traditional ambiance and is well loved by loyal clients. On check in all guests have allocated sunbeds for the duration of their stay, which solves the age old problem of early bird bed bagging! Evening entertainment is very high quality, we enjoyed a round up of hit songs from the West End Show ‘The commitments’, and it was excellent. The hotel offers a choice of four restaurants and we had a memorable meal in ‘Garibaldi’s’ the Italian fine dining option.
Both the Olympic Lagoon and Alexander the Great Hotels have a Serenity Health Club & Spa where you can keep fit, or wind down with a relaxing massage. Another plus is the dedicated Saga lounge area where guests can meet the reps, enjoy complimentary drinks and catch up with English newspapers, while chatting with fellow travellers.
There are some advantages of growing older and Saga Holidays is definitely one of them. With a wide range of destinations, a selection of contrasting accommodation including some fabulous cruise itineraries, and special interest options, Saga is the way forward.
Silver Travel Advisor recommends Saga Holidays